Archaeological excavations at Tel Ashkelon National Park have uncovered a 2,000-year-old Roman-era basilica, the largest of its kind found in Israel to date, as well as an ancient theater, that will soon be opened to visitors.
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In Roman times, public life revolved around the basilica (a Roman public building). Festivals, business and social gatherings took place there on a daily basis.
Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologists Dr. Rachel Bar-Natan, Saar Ganor, and Federico Kobrin, who are directing the excavation, explained that the enormous building, which measures 115 by 34 meters (377 by 11 feet) had been built at the center of ancient Ashkelon.
Video: Yuli Schwartz/ Israel Antiquities Authority
"During the Roman Severan Dynasty, in the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, the building was renovated, marble architectural features were brought to the site and a small theater was added," they explained.
"Herodian coins discovered in the bedding of the structure's ancient floors show that it was built at the time of one of the greatest builders ever to have lived in the country. The writings of the historian Josephus [Flavius] mention Herod's construction in the city of Ashkelon and list fountains, a bathhouse and colonnaded halls. Today, based on the new archaeological evidence, we can understand the origins of the historical record," the archaeologists continued.
The basilica was divided into three parts – a central hall and two side halls, and the space was surrounded with rows of marble columns and capitals, which rose to an estimated height of 13 meters (42.5 feet) and supported the building's roof. The floor and walls were built of marble, which was imported from Asia Minor in merchant ships that reached the shores of Ashkelon.
Roughly 200 marble items weighing hundreds of tons have been found including dozens of column capitals with plant motifs were discovered, some bearing an eagle – the symbol of the Roman Empire.
The compound was excavated by the Israel Antiquities Authority with support from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, the Ashkelon Municipality, and the Leon Levy Foundation and the site will be opened on completion of the development, conservation, and restoration work, which will include erecting the sculptures and marble columns discovered at the site.
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